Fun before the flu.

Ok, so not technically the flu, but darn near. Fortunately we all got our flu shots cause if I had to be any more sick than I have been for the last week, Im certain we would have been in trouble.

But...before the flu, there was loads of fun for everyone. My biggest news is that I managed to take all three kids to The Children's Museum in Brookings all by myself. Huge feat as I knew if it was successful, I would be capable of doing all sorts of things on my own while Dave works. Im happy to report that it was a hit. There were a few moments, but overall, it went really well. I was so proud of Sully and Greta for being good listeners and for being good buddies. They play so well together when we get out of the house. I need to keep reminding myself of that. The amazing week of weather also helped as the fresh air does everybody good.

Dave and I also had a couple of really fun nights out. Maggie and Jeff joined us for a night of dinner and the SD Symphony Orchestra, a first for all of us. It was REALLY fun. Ben Folds headlined and used the orchestra as their band and it was amazing. I had goosebumps and was overwhelmed with how it all fits together. It is such an art. We also had dinner with a few of neighbors on Valentine's Day before being a musical at the Pavilion, the company didn't disappoint, although the show was lack luster :/. We celebrated Grandma Helen's birthday a couple of days later at her place with much of the family present. It is always such a fun gathering, and fun to shower Helen with love. We rounded out the outings with a dinner with a couple of Dave's partners. So much socializing and so much fun. No wonder we all ended up sick around here.

Im glad to report the illness was only really bad for about 2-3 days (for me), Piper and Greta are finally getting over colds, and unfortunately Dave is just getting it. Here's to hoping it makes a speedy exit. We are so ready for spring.

Ben Folds with the SDSO.

Go Bayern Munich! 

The usual bedtime routine. 

A peaceful hot shower ;).

Sleepover in Greta's bed! (haha, this lasted 5 minutes)

Heading to school. Best buddies. 

Sister fun, right after Piper said 'Teta' (Greta) and my heart melted. 

It's all under control.

Greta fun. 

A peaceful lunch. 

Piper in the pumpkin patch.

Sully fun. 

Cornfield chaos. 

Peak! 

Bubble guppies in their new Brookings t shirts.

Grandma Helen's party with cousin Maddie. 

Impromptu photo session. 

Flu.

Story time fun. 

Black and white for the win. 

6 people, 18 wine glasses! Haha. 

Fun with daddy. 

Showering Lauren and baby girl Fey.

I was so honored to cohost Lauren's baby shower with Jana Thompson and Kirsten Biondi. Ever since I have been a part of Dave's family, I had attended showers with these women as hosts and they have done such an exceptional job. They were best friends of Lauren's mom, Julie and have gone the extra mile to celebrate milestones in Sarah (Lauren's sister) and Lauren's life. When I got the invitation to join them in throwing Lauren's baby shower, I was thrilled, my mind went into overdrive as to how to make it extra extra special. We shared fun planning coffees and funny group txt messages with thoughts and progress.

We hosted the shower at Vance Thompson Vision, it was lit up with pink lights and was full of pink baby goodness. From balloons to flowers to pink champagne and heart accessorized kabob skewers to go along with heart shaped pizzas, nothing was missed. Everything that was done was picked up a notch with details (including heart shaped salami on the antipasto kabobs (gahhhh!). I joked with Kirsten and Jana that they are my detail soul sisters, although there is actually a lot of truth in that. I had fun hand crafting paper flowers and paper flower wreaths, who knew the power of paper (and time ;)).

Lauren was the most beautiful and gracious guest of honor. No doubt she has a lot of emotions regarding her first baby and the absence of her mom. She shows such appreciation and love for everyone in her life. I always love to be in her presence.

We are so excited to meet baby girl Fey in March, Lauren! I can't wait to love on you both, and to field questions, even if they come at 3am :).

I was getting ready for the evening and Greta (lower right)
said "mama, you're so silly, you look just like one of those
trolls!" Love that girl. 

Vance Thompson Vision in pink! 

The decor.

Dessert table with a paper frame around Lauren, Julie, and Grandma Helen. 

The spread. 

Cohosts + guest of honor.
Jana, Kirsten, Lauren, and I.

Loving on baby girl Fey. 

Lauren and Sarah. 

Gift opening fun.

Family vacation 2017.

Dave and I took the kids to Atlantis in the Bahamas for our family vacation this year. We had a great time as the resort was so family friendly. Dave had meetings (it coincided with a conference for him) in the mornings and had the afternoons with us. We spent all of our time either at the pool, aquarium (in the lobby!!!), eating, and sleeping. We brought Allie, one of our babysitters along which was so helpful. Juggling three kids is no joke (especially when it comes to sun screen, swimming suits, and swimming)! We had intentions of getting out for an evening alone, unfortunately, Sully got sick (literally, in our bed at 3am- yikes!) so we called it off and just spent the time together. We were grateful for an amazing week of warmth and mega family fun. Ill let the photos do the rest of the talking as there is definitely an overload :).

Sully and Greta in the Chicago airport. 

Monster plane nap. 

Everyone naps EXCEPT Piper. Brutal. 

Slightly windy the first day. 

Stalin' Pip. 

SUN! Dave relaxing on the lazy
(he is coming around the bend in the photo).

Sully gets a turn. 

Pool morning, sorta cool, but getting warmer. 

Pool ready at 7:45am. 

They look so cool ;).

Family photo on our way to the pool. 

Raging river fun, Greta had a blast, Sully not so much. 

Greta and Dave floating away. 

Pool fun. 

Master floater from the beginning. 

Our busy, curious, silly, and unpredictable toddler.

Me and my girls. 

Family photo on our way to dinner. 

Dinner with a toddler, thankful for a very family friendly resort ;). 

Allie with the kids on our beach day.

Beach fun. 

Greta started the week slow with the floaties,
but had it mastered by the end of the week. 

Greta savoring every bite of her ice cream.

Bubble fun on the patio.

Dave and Greta swimming in the kid pool. 

Piper and I in the quiet pool near our room.

One last dip before we head to the airport. 

Airport doughnuts. 

More airplane fun? ;).